If you love cheesecake but wish it came in a lighter, dairy-free, breakfast-friendly version—look no further. This Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Seed Pudding captures all the rich, creamy flavor of the classic dessert in a nourishing, naturally sweetened, make-ahead treat. It’s fruity, creamy, slightly tangy, and perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Pudding
Think of this as cheesecake meets chia pudding: indulgent, yet good-for-you. The creamy base is made from plant-based milk, chia seeds, and dairy-free cream cheese, giving it that rich cheesecake texture. A swirl of mashed strawberries adds fresh, fruity flavor and natural sweetness.
It’s gluten-free, vegan, full of fiber, healthy fats, and totally meal-prep friendly. You can enjoy it in a mason jar, layer it like a parfait, or top it with graham-style crumbs to go full-on dessert mode.
The best part? No cooking, no baking—just mix, chill, and enjoy.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons plant-based cream cheese (or regular if not vegan)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup (to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh or thawed frozen strawberries, mashed
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced strawberries
- Crushed graham crackers (gluten-free if needed)
- Coconut whipped cream or vegan yogurt
- Lemon zest for brightness
Pro Tips
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing—this ensures a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Mash strawberries well for a more even flavor or leave them chunky for added texture.
- Stir chia seeds twice—once when mixing and again after 10–15 minutes to prevent clumps.
- Use sweet, ripe strawberries—they bring the best natural flavor and color to the pudding.
- Add toppings just before serving—this keeps them fresh and adds beautiful contrast.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mason jar or airtight container
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or spoon for mashing/stirring
- Small bowl (for mixing)
- Refrigerator
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-free? Use any plant-based cream cheese like almond or cashew-based.
- Nut-free? Choose oat or soy milk instead of almond.
- No maple syrup? Use agave, date syrup, or a mashed banana for natural sweetness.
- No strawberries? Swap with mashed raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches.
- Want more protein? Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder or plain Greek-style plant-based yogurt.
Make-Ahead Tips
This chia pudding is perfect for meal prep! It stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Prep multiple jars at once, store them covered, and grab them when you need a nourishing breakfast or snack.
If you plan to add graham cracker crumbs, wait until just before serving so they stay crisp.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Seed Pudding
1. Mash the Strawberries
In a small bowl, mash the strawberries with a fork until they reach your desired texture.
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Base
In a mason jar or bowl, whisk together almond milk, softened cream cheese, vanilla, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
3. Add Chia Seeds and Strawberries
Stir in the chia seeds and mashed strawberries. Let sit for 10 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping.
4. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, until thick and pudding-like.
5. Add Toppings and Serve
In the morning, stir well. Top with sliced strawberries, crushed graham crackers, coconut whipped cream, or anything you love.
Leftovers and Storage
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. The pudding may thicken over time; simply stir in a splash of milk to loosen it before serving. Add toppings just before eating to maintain their texture and freshness.
You can also freeze the base for longer storage—just defrost overnight in the fridge and stir well before topping.
A Little Jar of Joy
This Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Seed Pudding is a celebration of creamy, fruity, feel-good flavor—all in a make-ahead, fuss-free form. It’s rich enough to feel indulgent but light and healthy enough to enjoy every day. Whether you enjoy it as breakfast, snack, or a smart dessert, it’s sure to bring a little joy to your spoon.
If you try it, let me know! Did you layer it with yogurt? Go heavy on the graham crackers? Leave a comment with your favorite twist—I’d love to hear how you made it your own.
